Sia (21 page)

Roberta’s eyes are huge, their brown irises flecked with gold. “Yes, yes, yes! You
gotta go
, Kyle!” She claps with delight. “Can you even imagine? The Oscars! With all those famous people and the red carpet and—”

Even Ben pipes up. He grins at Kyle. “Plus, you'll get to meet Alyz Rain. That’s reason enough.”

I’m shocked; I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him say a word before.

“
Absolutely. Use that for motivation,” Roberta says.

Tiff smacks Kyle on the side of his head. “Don’t be an idiot! How often do you get this kind of chance?” She smiles at me. “He's going.”

Kyle has turned a very deep shade of purple. After a moment, he takes a deep breath and smiles self-consciously. “Well, I guess if the whole committee is in agreement, then I’m going.”

“
Do you have a tuxedo?” Ben asks.

Kyle glares at him. “Dude, I have a suit. I bought one last year for a wedding.”

Tiff is forthright. “Is it a
good
suit?” she asks; I’m secretly relieved it’s her and not me.

“
Yes, it’s a good suit!” Kyle exclaims, exasperated. “Jeez.”

Roberta and Tiff exchange a glance and roll their eyes. I’m suddenly so envious of the friendship these four share. They know each other so well. “We’re renting you a tux, Kyle,” Tiff says with a wave.

Kyle sags with defeat. “Whatever.”

Everyone is laughing. They love the idea. And why not? It’s an awesome plan. Crazy, but awesome. “You can come to my place before, okay? My driver will take us.”

Kyle’s still frowning when he nods, but at least he’s looking at me now. And I know the frown is more about their questioning his fashion sense than the fact that he’s going to be my date.

I feel a rush of anticipation. This is going to be an unforgettable night.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

When we’re finished with our meeting, I pick up some more buns and head toward the housing building Carol told me about. I figure afternoon is a good time to catch her since her restaurant job is at night. I’m lucky: when I ask at the front desk, they tell me she’s in her room.

Carol is all smiles when she opens the door and welcomes me into her tiny apartment. My closet is bigger than the room, which is barely four walls, a twin bed, a dresser, and a small table and chair. She gratefully accepts the treats I brought and gives me a tour of the apartment. She explains that if I need a bathroom, I’ll have to go down the hall, because everyone shares. They also share the kitchen and dining area.

“
It’s a fine place,” Carol says, smiling proudly. I sit on her only chair while she settles on top of the bed. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to have my own room. I feel much safer here. I don’t have to sleep with one eye open anymore. And now that I can pay rent, I know this place is going to feed me. I’m truly blessed.”

“
So they’re nice people?”

“
Oh yes. Very nice. There are a lot of folks from the street here. A lot of moms with kids running from bad marriages. Some of those mothers are as young as you, maybe younger. It’s really hard on them. But this place is great for everyone. They even have a playground behind the building for the little ones.”

“
That’s terrific.”

“
Now it’s your turn, child. What’s been going on with you?”

I sigh and smile over at her. “Well, I’m happy to report that my life has really improved.”

“
Has it now?”

She listens closely as I talk about Mom and the rehab center, and how my knowing that she’s getting the treatment she needs for her alcohol addiction is taking a lot of pressure off Dad. When Carol asks about school, I tell her I’m making some new friends—kids I used to torment in the past.

“
This is good, Sia. You’re reaching out, changing your world.”

I nod. “Remember you told me to keep my eyes open for opportunities? Well, you were right.” I tell her about how the San Francisco earthquake has given me a chance to help others and really make a difference. How Kyle’s fundraiser is changing it all for me.

“
Tell me about this Kyle,” she says, her eyes twinkling. She pats the bed beside her.

I get up so we can sit together. “Is he your boyfriend?”

I shake my head. “No. He remembers me for who I was, not who I am now, but I’m going to change his mind. One day.”

“
I believe you, Sia.” She pauses. “He must be pretty special if he matters to you so much.”

I think about that, but I don’t have to think too hard. He
is
special, and he has a big heart. I mean, what other guy from school volunteers his free time at soup kitchens or organizes fundraisers? “Yeah, I think he is. And his project has opened my eyes to what I can do, to what I
want
to do. I want to help people in need. I'd like to volunteer for other things after graduation. I'm just getting started.”

“
You're on your way, Sia.”

“
I’m trying. You’ve taught me so much, Carol.”

She feels soft when I hug her. “You’ve taught me as well, child. I’m so glad you came out here to see me today, but I’m afraid I have to go to work now.”

I smile at her. “Oh, that’s right! Well, I’ll stop by again soon. Promise.” Before I close her door, she stops me.

“
Sia?”

“
Yes?”

“
I just . . . want you to know how thankful I am that our paths crossed. And that I got to play a part in your story. No matter what happens in the future, remember that.”

I give her a meaningful look. “I will.”

I smile as I head out the door, a smile that stays on my face for most of the way home. I smile because I want to be like that bag lady I’m sure I used to say rotten things about.

Life sure can throw some curveballs.

Fortunately, I’m learning how to catch them.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

It’s the afternoon before The Oscars, and I’m totally petrified. I’m sitting on my bed, staring at Mom’s designer gown. It’s hanging in the corner of my room. Soon I’ll be wearing that incredible gown to a major event, full of movie stars and celebrities. I’ll be chatting them up as if we’re all old friends . . . and asking for money.

What the heck am I doing? I yank my freshly manicured nails away from my teeth. This is crazy. I should cancel.

But Alyz phoned earlier to check on me. She must have sensed my nervousness, but I assured her I had the tickets, the right outfit, and the right date. She was breezy and laughing, telling me how wonderful it was going to be. Yet every word stirred more butterflies in my stomach. Really, she’s an old pro at all this. I’m a fraud. But when I told her that, she only laughed more freely and told me I have nothing to worry about.

Sure. Nothing to worry about. Beatriz says I watched The Oscars on television every year growing up. Some of those same celebrities have even been to our place for dinner in the past. The very idea of all those famous people being together in one place boggles my mind. Especially when I put myself in the midst of them.

“
Sia?” Dad calls from downstairs. “I have to go a little early. I’m meeting that screenwriter at The Dolby.”

Still wearing my bathrobe, I go to the top of the stairs, look down, and whistle with admiration. Nothing is more attractive than a good-looking man in a tuxedo. “You look impressive, Dad.”

He chuckles and picks at his bow tie. “Impressive enough to get the screenplay, I hope.” He’s told me this could be the screenplay that saves our family, so I wish him all the luck in the world.

“
John will be picking you and your date up at five o’clock.”

My heart jumps. My date. Five o’clock. The Oscars. This is really happening. I’m going to be in the midst of them, red carpet and all. After he leaves, I sink onto my bed and drop my face into my palm. I can’t help moaning.

A knocks comes at my door. “Sia? It’s Beatriz. You okay?”

I sigh. “As okay as I’m going to get.”

“
Do you need help getting dressed?”

It’s probably smart to have a little company. “Sure. Come on in.”

Beatriz looks as excited as I should feel, so I try to put myself in her place. It’s easier seeing myself that way. “This dress—
que bello
!” she says, running her fingers over the sparkling material of the dress. “It’s lucky you’re the same size as your mother.”

Beatriz is skilled with a flat iron. She insists that we pull most of my hair up so the jewelry will pop. “I’ve done enough girls’
quinceañeras
to know!” she chirps, trying to rouse my enthusiasm.

Eventually, I open up about how scared I really am.

She chuckles. “You will not be the only one scared tonight.”

“
True. But those actors know what they’re doing. They’re
supposed
to be there.”

“
Listen to me,” she says, setting the flat iron down. She crouches down so we’re face to face. “No one really knows what they’re doing. Yes, some of them are supposed to be there because they might win something, but I believe that you are meant to be there, too. If not, the idea would not have come to you. Everything happens for a reason. You
are
meant to go.”

Her serene perspective calms me down. Maybe she’s right. Maybe there is some kind of fate or destiny at work here. And maybe I lost my memory for a reason as well. “Thanks, Beatriz. That helps.”

“
Just be yourself tonight.”

Soon, my hair is styled in an elegant, voluminous up-do with sweeping side bangs. I’m adjusting my gold earrings when I hear a light tap on my door.

Stacy’s head pops in. “I heard you need a makeup artist.”

“
Stacy!” I can’t believe how happy I am to see her—on her own.

She grins at my reaction and steps in, carrying two silver boxes of makeup.

“
You hardly need me,” she says. “You already look stunning.”

“
I’m glad you’re here,” I tell her, and I can tell that means a lot to her. She’s trying. At least I’m able to step back and see what I’m doing with my life. Stacy, on the other hand, is still stuck in the middle of it all.

Her eyes flit to the gown hanging across the room. “Is that it?” she says, her voice soft with wonder. “Oh, Sia . . . it’s divine.” She squeezes her eyes tight in a grimace. “Amber would
die
if she saw you in that.”

Stacy gets to work on my makeup. She really is a whiz. When she’s all done, I carefully slide into the Versace. Beatriz fastens it up in the back. Then both my friends stare at me, grinning like idiots. I walk over to a mirror.

My reflection leaves me speechless.

Alyz had requested I be “breathtaking,” and right now I’m definitely struggling to breathe. Not because the dress is too tight, but because I can’t believe it’s really me in it. The luxurious fabric hugs my body like a glove. The gold shines and sparkles, as if I’m on fire. The thin straps of the halter top are studded with gems, and the same stones follow the low neckline. My face has been styled and painted expertly. I feel transformed.

When the doorbell rings, I smile. Kyle. That has to be him. I can’t wait to see his reaction.

“
Right on time,” Beatriz says. She heads downstairs with Stacy and me right behind her. Just before she opens the door, she turns to me, smiling. “Ready, Princess Sia?”

“
Yeah,” says Stacy. “Let’s see this Prince Charming of yours.”

Much to everyone’s surprise, Kyle looks dashing. His tuxedo is immaculate, as is the white shirt beneath. He’s topped it off with a neatly done black bow tie.

“
Wow,” Stacy gasps. “You clean up nicely.”

Kyle doesn’t answer. He sort of gives her a nod, but I’m not even sure he hears her. He’s staring at me, his mouth hanging slightly open. I blush wildly and can’t think of a thing to say. Fortunately, he goes first. “You look nice,” he mumbles.

I realize he’s just as nervous as I am. Maybe even more.

“
Shall we go?” he asks.

“
Hold on, mister! Not so fast,” Stacy exclaims, watching us with interest. She produces a camera from her purse and points across the room. “It’s kind of like a prom, right? And you two make a gorgeous couple, I have to say. Over there.”

It’s awkward at first, walking together. It's like we don’t know how to talk now that we’re dressed so elegantly, but we gradually loosen up. Adrenaline is racing through me so that everything tingles. When I touch his sleeve, my fingers are all prickly.

We turn to face Stacy’s camera. He puts his arm around my waist, sending a thrill through my entire body. I can’t shake the feeling that something magical is about to happen. When I glance at Kyle, he’s looking at me, his expression soft. I have a crazy urge to kiss him right then and there, but he looks away. The moment’s not right. Too many eyes around. I swallow my disappointment.
Perhaps another time. In a different place.